Pathways to a career in food and fibre

Page last updated: Tuesday, 12 September 2017 - 1:56pm

Please note: This content may be out of date and is currently under review.

The Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia supports the growth of Western Australia’s agrifood sector in four key areas: markets, productivity, profitability and people.

For those interested in a career in the food and fibre sector, we have provided information and links for primary schools, as well as secondary and tertiary pathways for agricultural education.

Introduction

A career in food and fibre may be achieved through secondary, vocational education and training and tertiary education pathways. Education pathways, special programs and scholarships which may assist your goal of a career in food and fibre are described further in the following sections:

  • Primary school programs and facilities
  • Secondary schools and colleges 
  • Vocational education and training
  • Tertiary education

Primary school programs and facilities

There are a number of facilities and activities in Western Australia that offer students and the general community an opportunity to learn more about agriculture, farming and the source of our food and fibre.

Kelmscott Senior High School - Primary School agriculture awareness program

The farm is located at Kelmscott in Perth and offers primary school students half-day, full-day and overnight visits. Students experience the different aspects of farm life, with practical activities in horticulture, animal husbandry and care, and everyday farm tasks. It is also open to the general public every day of the year.

Landsdale Farm 

This demonstration farm, located at Darch in Perth, provides a wide range of educational options in each of the eight learning areas for early childhood and primary school students. A professional learning course for teachers is available to ensure schools get the most out of their visit.

Kiara College - Primary School agriculture awareness program 

The farm is located at Kiara in Perth and offers primary school visits each week day during school term.

Secondary schools and colleges

Agricultural colleges

The Western Australian College of Agriculture has six residential campuses offering programs for year 10, 11 and 12 students. 

The Catholic Agricultural College Bindoon is a year seven to 12 co-educational college for day and residential students situated in Bindoon.

Secondary schools

There are 13 public, private or independant schools in WA that offer a range of agricultural education. The majority of these are non-metropolitan.

Vocational education and training links

 
A one stop shop for all training enquiries - phone 13 23 98.
 

Food and Agribusiness Solutions
A national organisation providing leadership in skills, training products and workforce innovation for the national agrifood industry.

Food, Fibre and Timber Industry Training Council WA (Inc) 
A not-for-profit organisation providing advice to government on behalf of industry and ensuring all nationally recognised training programs and packages reflect the current and future industry needs.
 

Muresk Institute

Muresk Institute is an education and training facility situated in the Western Australian wheatbelt with a particular focus on agriculture, agribusiness, health and mining.

Based in Victoria, RIST is an independent provider of rural training and rural education, running courses throughout Australia. Courses are delivered by industry experts and excellent support is given to all students throughout their training.
 
RSA is a not-for-profit organisation helping to increase the skills base of rural industries, particularly agriculture, horticulture and veterinary nursing.
 

Tertiary institutions

Tertiary study is offered at a number of Australian institutions. An 'A' indicates those offering courses in agriculture or agribusiness.

Western Australia

​New South Wales

Queensland

South Australia

Tasmania

Victoria